Lesser Festival
of Patrick, bishop, missionary, patron of Ireland, c. 460
Trust in God’s provision
Ayez confiance en la provision de Dieu et vous ne manquerez de rien.
When my son was a baby someone
gave me a book entitled “Have kids, WILL travel”. It was full of bits of practical advice, some
more use than others, but the one piece I remember was this: “Everywhere you’re
likely to go in the world there are babies, they all have similar needs, and
local shops will have shelffuls of nappies, baby-food etc. So don’t burden yourself with a month’s
supply!” It’s something I’ve recalled
ever since when I travel – as I leave the house with my suitcase packed I don’t
worry whether I’ve remembered to include every last tube of toothpaste or
face-cream (or enough knickers) – if I need such things I can buy them at my
destination, and in thirty-five years I’ve never had a problem acquiring my
modest needs.
In today’s Gospel Jesus sends
out seventy-two disciples with a similar message – trust in God’s provision and
you will not want for anything. He gives
them precise directions as to how to behave, but beyond that it’s in God’s
hands. And their trust is rewarded; they
return, joyfully reporting that in this faith they have achieved miracles. Jesus does, however, gently remind them that
their achievements were not in their own strength but that of their, and our,
Father.
Let us pray for similar faith,
trust that we too will be able to perform great things in His name and, like
the seventy-two, rejoice that our names are written in heaven.
Ayez
confiance en la provision de Dieu et vous ne manquerez de rien.
Carol
de Lusignan
Collect
Almighty God,
who in your
providence chose your servant Patrick
to be the
apostle of the Irish people:
keep alive in
us the fire of the faith he kindled
and strengthen
us in our pilgrimage towards the light of everlasting life;
through Jesus
Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive
and reigns with you,
in the unity
of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now
and for ever.
Amen
Ste.
Patrice, évêque d'Irelande (St. Patrick, Bishop of Ireland), March 17th, from
Les Images De Tous Les Saincts et Saintes de L'Année (Images of All of the
Saints and Religious Events of the Year), Jacques Callot, 1592–1635
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